New Boston readies for taste of Civil War life

NEW BOSTON - As a year-long celebration of New Boston's 250th Anniversary continues, the Civil War will come home to New Hampshire in two special events.

Author and historian Steve Bunker will present a talk called, "The Civil War," on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the New Boston Historical Society Building.

Then on Friday, May 10, Civil War re-enactors will begin a three-day "Living History" presentation, taking over the ball field behind town hall and setting up camp for the weekend.

According to Dick Moody, president of the New Boston Historical Society, the encampment of Civil War era characters will features members of the 1st New Hampshire Calvary, 6th New Hampshire Infantry, and 5th Massachusetts Battery, three groups of soldiers from the Granite State who left home to fight the war between the states.

Moody, who has participated in many historical re-enactments himself and was cast as an extra in the movie, "The Patriot," said the encampment will give visitors a sense of what life was like in the 1860s.

There will be demonstrations and presentations, coffee and chats around campfires, horses, and militaria harkening back to the 19th century. Participants will spend their nights sleeping in canvas tents and living the simple life - except during re-enactments of battles.

May also brings more art to New Boston as part of the 250th celebration. On May 18, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the New Boston Community Church and the Whipple Free Library, an art festival will take place featuring local artists of all ages. A silent auction will be held, and children will be entertained by storyteller Kate Fitzpatrick.

Then at 7 p.m. at the Community Church, a coffee house will feature New Boston entertainers performing live music throughout the evening and the silent auction winners will be announced.

And on May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Boston Central School, students will celebrate a week spent with artist-in-residence Emile Birch, who will unveil a sculpture created during the visit.